San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mine Air Compressors
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 15, 2012
1. Mine Air Compressors Marker
These two air compressors are typical of those used in hard-rock mining. The Gardner-Denver air compressor, powered by a gasoline engine, is a mobile type that was moved to wherever it was needed. The Ingersoll-Rand air compressor, powered by an electric motor, is a stationary type and was usually mounted on a concrete slab. These compressors provided high-pressure air mostly to drive percussive rotary rock drills, which were used to drill holes for explosives. The holes were usually 1 ¾ inches in diameter and 6 to 12 feet deep. Rock drills were used both on the surface in open cuts and in tunnel underground.Compressed air was also used to run air motors for various types of equipment used in underground spaces where fumes from fuel-driven engines would be dangerous, and where electricity was not available or as convenient to use.
These compressors were used in the Guadalupe mine from the 1940s until the mine closed in the 1970s. The Guadalupe Rubbish Company donated the compressors to NAQCPA in 1987.
Power: Gasoline
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 15, 2012
2. Mine Air Compressors Marker
this page online
Output: Unknown
Power: 220/440V, 3 [ohms] , 60Hz, 176/88A
Output: 100 PSI
Erected by The California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution and New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.
Location. 37° 10.396′ N, 121° 49.581′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker can be reached from Almaden Road, on the right when traveling south. The Hacienda Mining Display is a short walk on the Deep Gulch Trail from the Almaden Quicksilver County Park parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Skip Loader (here, next to this marker); Mine Ventilation Fans (here, next to this marker); Gould Rotary Furnace and Condensing System (a few steps from this marker); Mancha “Little Trammer” Battery Locomotive (a few steps from this marker); D Retort and Condensing System (a few steps from this marker); Shaker-Concentrator
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 15, 2012
3. Mine Air Compressors
More about this marker. The Hacienda Mining Display is still under development.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 870 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
